Spring Personnel survey highlights fears over extended maternity leave

With the governmentís extended maternity leave consultation* closing tomorrow (25th May), a survey of employers by Spring Personnel highlights concerns that extending paid maternity leave to nine months could have an adverse effect on a womanís career.



The survey asked companies about the possible effect of the new maternity legislation on women in employment. Almost two thirds of respondents believe that extending paid maternity leave could be detrimental to a womanís career, while only 8% think that it will have no impact.

John Simmonds, managing director at Spring Personnel, said: ìWe are not surprised by the findings of our survey. The perceived impact of the legislation on the recruitment and promotion of women of childbearing age is a real one. Employers will anticipate significant costs and disruption to the company should the employee have more time off work after having a baby.î

Simmonds continues: ìThe good news is that companies are already acknowledging their responsibility to offer flexible working. When asked about incentives for new mothers, all companies offered either flexible working (65%) or job share options (35%).î

Companies concerned should be considering temporary staff as a resource to alleviate the effect of extended maternity leave on the business and to give mothers the flexibility they need. At a time when skilled staff are in demand, the use of temporary workers enables organisations to retain talented individuals.

As well as the impact on women, another fear, which has been voiced by the CBI, lies in the enormous burden that the legislation would impose on small companies. The CBI has called for the government to take back the administration of maternity pay and to require mothers to give more notice of return to work.